Remember the boogeyman from your childhood? Although you never ever saw him, he came out at night, lurking somewhere nearby ready to strike. He was in the tree in the backyard, in the basement, in the cupboard or by the fence in the neighbour's yard, in fact everywhere, away from your immediate protective zone. He was scary and always had you looking over your shoulder. But the good thing was that if you obeyed your parents and went to sleep on time with the light switched, he could never get you.

One morning you grew up and realized that the boogeyman was a delusion that existed only in your head. It was put there by parents to frighten you into good behaviour and it worked to good effect too. Planted in our minds by others, reinforced and nurtured, fear can be very consuming, controlling and motivating until it is perceived as a very real threat.

This lesson has been seized upon by governments and people over the centuries who realised the value of applying this psychological principle to minimise threats to their existence, exercise control and subjugate the thought process of others into subservience to their will. They needed a boogeyman. We can go to ancient history or the Romans for examples but the more recent ones would not have escaped our reader’s attention, such as communism and the Cold War where the threat of the Soviet Union incinerating all with nuclear weapons presented the United States with the excuse to pursue a 30 year arms race on the pretext of this boogeyman. When Communism fell another boogeyman viz international terrorism was seized upon to replace the “red menace” leading to various regional wars, regime changes and losses of millions of lives which continues unabated.

Then not to be left out, we have the boogeymen of Haraam, scare-mongering and sowing confusion with pronouncements of Haraam at every opportunity on products such as meats of all commercial poultry, cattle and sheep, soft drinks, biscuits and chocolates to mention a few. The chocolates is an interesting recent one.

Reports first surfaced on social media in Malaysia a fortnight ago that two samples of Cadbury chocolates were found to have porcine ingredients which evoked widespread reaction from many quarters.

This shockwave reaction was understandable as the consumption of Halaal is a fundamental and mandatory article of the Islamic faith. This reaction was further exacerbated by the fact that the revelations arose in a majority Muslim country whose government prides itself on the world stage on matters of Halaal. The reactions ranged from the Ministry asking for caution whilst further tests results were being awaited, food technologists expressing reservations and citing possible contamination, wholesalers calling for boycotts and by activists calling for Jihaad.

SANHA opined that the call for a jihad was inappropriate and only served to stoke the flames of Islamaphobia with the anti-Muslim brigade. Most importantly this call was being made on evidence that was not conclusive. Furthermore, SANHA’s experience during the horsemeat scandal showed how easily DNA results give flawed reading through contamination.

Subsequently, this week in a blow to the Haraam boogeyman brigade, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development, or JAKIM, confirmed that eleven samples removed and tested from the Cadbury plant did not test positive for pork. JAKIM pointed out the Health Ministry’s previous samples were not taken directly from Cadbury’s factory, suggesting that this resulted in possible contamination and flawed test results. In addition to this, the National Fatwa Council of Malaysia ruled that products were Halaal under the Islamic Sharia law.

Cadbury has years of experience in the Malaysian market with Malaysian Muslims in their highest echelons of Management and at operational level and is well aware of this religious imperative. They have maintained that their products are Halaal and have now been vindicated. The undisciplined knee-jerk reaction and emotional outbursts means that Cadburys have gained incredible worldwide coverage and benefited immensely from free testing of the products in other countries as well such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The Health Ministry is now on the hunt for the party who leaked a preliminary report prematurely before the findings could be corroborated, according to Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya. We hope that they are found out, exposed and drummed out, for the institution of Halaal is a Divine gift and not an instrument of the Haraam boogeymen to sow disunity and dissension in the Ummah.

Exhibition Management Services is one of Africa's most experienced exhibition organizers with a 33 year track record of delivering successful trade fairs and exhibitions throughout the continent. The company's African database is unmatched in the industry allowing for the identification, notification and participation of truly qualified pan African trade visitors. Under the leadership of its M.D. John Thomson who was honoured by the exhibition association of South Africa for "Outstanding contribution and commitment" to the exhibition industry, EMS offers the most comprehensive and professional exhibition industry service anywhere in Africa today.

Amongst their highly successful catalogue of exhibitions and conferences, the Big Daddy of them all is the AFRICA BIG 7 (AB 7) together with SAITEX and its time tested amalgam of 7 leading shows co-located under one roof. Focusing on the A - Z of the food and beverage industry, it draws up to 17,000 visitors from about 60 countries.

This year, once again in conjunction with one of Africa's leading Halaal regulators, the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) it will showcase the Halaal World at the AB7 at Gallagher Estate. Midrand, Gauteng from the 22 - 24 June 2014. Whether you wish to purchase products or market yours, form new friendships and renew old ones, see what´s cooking and be part of the African experience, clear your appointment book now and pencil in the Africa Big 7.

For details of the organization and its annual calendar of events go to their website:

Abu Hurayrah - may Allah be pleased with him - narrated that Allah’s Messenger - Allah’s salutations and peace be upon him - said:

“It is sufficient for a man to be regarded a liar that he mentions everything he hears” [Muslim]

Comment: The recent Cadbury Malaysia saga again brings to light the dire need for Muslims to learn responsibility in their communications. A space age communication tool is within the ambit of the noble teachings of Allah’s Messenger – Allah’s salutations and peace be upon him. Pause, reflect and verify before passing on information, especially if it affects your religion. Again, in light of the Hadith, every single communication need not be transmitted, even if it may be factual and true.

Lingering longer or on the move, he stops here, there and everywhere to share what’s on his plate and his mind. He may be in your place soon but you will never know he is there.

HAIL! CROWN ON TERRACE

At times Johannesburgers bemoan the lack of not having the warm, sunny beaches of Durban as an attraction. Admittedly, that might be hard to beat but in a vibrant energetic city that occupies 1645 km² and reflects a diversity of cultures, there are no shortages of interesting sights, sounds and people.

I found myself in one such area recently on the south side of Johannesburg in the Robertsham/Ormonde area, just a few kilometres away from the high-rise buildings of the CBD and the hustle and bustle. The eclectic mix of beautiful homes with well-manicured lawns, and small businesses is in the centre of some outstanding must see attractions. Amongst the world class attractions that sees visitors from all over the world is Soccer City, the largest stadium in Africa, the Apartheid Museum which is the most distinguished museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa.

Then there is the unforgettable Gold Reef City theme park with its rollercoasters, water rides, swings, and Ferris wheel and a museum dedicated to gold mining. The area is also home to the massive MTN Nasrec Expo Centre venue used for conferences, events, and weddings including the Rand Show, the largest consumer exhibition in the southern hemisphere.

The community is well served with the four mosques. An Islamic community radio station and several suburban shopping centres. One such centre is Crownwood Square in Ormonde. It is not the usual massive glass and metal temple of consumerism, food courts and entertainment but rather a quaint two-storey building with an interesting tenant mix of which there are several food outlets certified by SANHA.

Amongst this I found a little gem of a place situated on the first floor, the Terrace on Crown restaurant and takeaway. Stepping into the casual and brightly-coloured chrome and green 60 seater with an alfresco dining-on-the-deck option, one can't help but be impressed with the high standard of hygiene giving an impression of “just opened” yet according to my enquiry they have been in business for about a year.

Being a restaurant, takeaway and coffee shop combo, the menu of about 100 items was far wider than your run of the mill franchise eatery. The categories catered for are burgers, pastas, steaks, chicken, seafood, wraps, desserts, salads, sandwiches and side dishes, and of course beverages, both hot and cold.

With friends around we ordered multiple items, different mains and dessert offerings. We shared everything and there wasn't a missed note in anything we ordered. The menu and the discreet service were the real stars. My particular item of note was one of their signature dishes where I am told that customers have been making trips from the other side of town, the Zambian steak. A 200 gram tender prime fillet which my steak knife cut through like butter, served with spicy rice, fries, a mini Panini bread and salad at R130. The superb flavour seemed to be a result of a fusion of chilli, barbecue and other flavouring with special marination.

One member of our party, was waxing superlatives with oohs and aahs to boot with his platter of 8 grilled prawns served with a spicy peri-peri sauce. According to him it was the closest reminder of his visit to Mozambique, the home of the original LM prawns.

This is a hands-on establishment and meeting the friendly owner confirms it. A clothing designer, caterer and chef involved in every aspect of the business, she translates creativity and passion into designer-style dishes, subtle, very original without being overcomplicated and beautifully presented.

If you are looking for a food experience extraordinaire without busting your budget, away from the run-of-the-mill establishments and crowds then venture out to the Terrace on Crown. Special consideration has been given to diners with the establishment of wudhu and salaah facilities. They also undertake catering and will be glad to host your business meetings or family get-togethers.

At the time of going to the press we were the first to learn that they are arranging a special Ramadan iftaar packs where one can phone in, order and collect the meal on your way home.

Nothing can be more international than the human preoccupation of cooking and eating, leading to the development of dishes that became favourites of nations and synonymous to that country. We will bring you some of the more famous ones in this and future editions.

South Africa - Bobotie

This Cape Malay favourite is a mixture of minced meats baked in an egg-based topping and served with rice and spicy chutney. It likely originated in Indonesia and is similar to a dish called “bobotok.” Today it’s enjoyed by people all over the country, though especially by communities in the Cape Peninsula.

In the serious world of Halaal, we take this moment to bring you a smile, a chuckle or even a hearty laugh. It's therapeutic, so pass it on.

Paraprosdokian is a figure of speech, which is well understood by comedians. The key point is that the final words make the reader see the first part of the sentence in a new light. In Bulletin 78 we gave you a few examples by famous people and unknown sources. Here is a further instalment

Do not argue with an idiot; he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

“I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't it." - Groucho Marx

If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.

"He was at his best when the going was good." - Alistair Cooke on the Duke of Windsor

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

"A modest man, who has much to be modest about." - Winston Churchill, about Clement Attlee

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South Africa National Halal Authority (SANHA) will be participating at the FOODEX Saudi Arabia 2014 trade show in Jeddah. The trade show will be held from 17-20 November 2014 http://www.foodexsaudi.com/

SANHA will be arranging a fully funded pavilion of SANHA members through the Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) funding for FOODEX Saudi Arabia 2014.

SASS funding will cover the following show-related costs upfront:

100% of the costs of return flights;

100% of the costs of ground transport in Jeddah;

100% of the rental of the stand and stand building;

100% of the cost of accommodation;

100% of the costs related to the transport of the product to trade show and back - maximum 50kg;

The deadline for sending us your applications is:Friday 20th June 2014.

Please indicate as to whether you or someone in your company would be interested in exhibiting at this trade show and applying for the SSAS Pavilion funding for me to forward the application form and guidelines for the exhibition.

Also known as agar-agar and China grass which is a natural vegetable gelatine counterpart. It is a gelling agent made from red seaweed and sold in strips or in powder form. It is popular all over the world for use in deserts like puddings, mousses, cheese cakes, jellies, ice creams and custards. It has no sugar, fat or calories and has a high content of fibre of 80 per cent which makes it great for digestion. With its characteristic as a bulking agent it can also be used as a thickener for soups and in fruit preserves.

Clinical trials have established that a higher-fat diet is more effective than a low-fat one in fighting obesity and heart disease.

Yes, low-fat products make people fat. To replace the texture lost when fat is removed, food manufacturers use “fat replacers”, which are usually composed of carbohydrates - often just sugar.

We’ve been told for decades that eating fat makes us fat and gives us heart disease, but the real culprits are carbohydrates. German scientists discovered the link in the 1920s. But American researchers developed a fixation with dietary fat in the 1950s. We are eating at least 25 per cent more carbohydrates and we are fatter than ever.

A fat-free Caesar salad dressing will deliver about 12 times more carbs per serving than the regular version. “Light” Philadelphia cream cheese packs twice as many carbs and sugar as the full-fat kind. And at Starbucks*, there’s no more carb-laden bakery item than the reduced-fat banana chocolate-chip coffee cake, with 50 grams of sugar. The regular Starbucks chocolate-marble loaf cake with 24 grams of sugar is no angel, but it’s still the better option.

The same is true for yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, cookies, peanut butter, hot dogs and granola bars, among other items: The low-fat versions are almost always higher in carbohydrates.

One out of every five persons on this planet is a Muslim. He is your neighbour, customer, supplier, employee, boss or friend.

CIRCUMCISION

Male infants worldwide are circumcised for various social, religious and/or medical reasons. The ritual of circumcision is traced back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) peace be upon him who circumcised himself on Allah’s command.

This was practised by the Prophet Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him according to the Bible as stated in Luke 2:21 “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb”.

Muslims are the largest religious grouping to practice circumcision today as taught by the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him demonstrating their belonging and closeness to the Patriarch of the three monotheistic religions, Prophet Ebrahim (Abraham) peace be upon him.